NBA's Greatest Players in History: John Havlicek

• 8-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics
• 13-time NBA All-Star
• Named to the NBA 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams

John Havlicek was a versatile and tireless forward/guard who played his entire 16-year career with the Boston Celtics, becoming one of the most accomplished players in NBA history.

Overview

John Havlicek's career with the Boston Celtics spanned from 1962 to 1978, during which he established himself as one of the most complete and enduring players in NBA history. Known for his relentless energy, versatility, and clutch performances, Havlicek was a key figure in the Celtics dynasty of the 1960s and continued to excel well into the 1970s.

Career snapshot

Havlicek's career statistics are a testament to his consistency and impact:

• 26,395 career points (14th all-time at retirement)
• 8,007 rebounds
• 6,114 assists
• 1,270 steals (in the latter part of his career when the stat began to be recorded)
• 16 seasons, all with the Boston Celtics

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Playing style

Havlicek's playing style was characterised by his exceptional stamina and versatility. He was equally adept at playing guard or forward, often switching between positions as needed. His non-stop movement on the court earned him the nickname "Hondo" and made him one of the most difficult players to defend.

Key aspects of Havlicek's game included:

• Tireless off-ball movement
• Excellent mid-range jump shot
• Strong defensive skills
• Ability to play multiple positions
• Clutch performance in critical moments

Why John Havlicek is on our list

Havlicek's inclusion on the list of most dominant NBA players is justified by his remarkable achievements and impact on the game:

1. Championship Success: With eight NBA titles, Havlicek played a crucial role in both the 1960s Celtics dynasty and the team's resurgence in the 1970s.
2. Statistical Excellence: He retired as the Celtics' all-time leading scorer and was among the league leaders in several categories throughout his career.
3. Versatility: Few players in NBA history have matched Havlicek's ability to excel at multiple positions and impact the game in so many ways.
4. Longevity: His 16-year career at an elite level demonstrates his durability and consistent excellence.
5. Clutch Performances: Havlicek was known for delivering in crucial moments, most famously "The Steal" in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals.

Five Fast Facts

1. Havlicek was selected to 11 All-NBA Teams (4 First Team, 7 Second Team)
2. He was named to 8 All-Defensive Teams (5 First Team, 3 Second Team)
3. Havlicek scored a Celtics playoff record 54 points in a 1973 game against Atlanta
4. He played in 1,270 games for the Celtics, which was a record at the time of his retirement
5. Havlicek's number 17 was retired by the Boston Celtics in 1978

Career Highlights Timeline

1962: Drafted 7th overall by the Boston Celtics

1963: Wins his first NBA championship as a key reserve

1965: Makes "The Steal" against Philadelphia in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals

1966: Selected to his first All-Star team

1968: Becomes a full-time starter for the Celtics

1969: Plays a crucial role in the Celtics' 11th championship, defeating the Lakers in 7 games

1971: Named to his first All-NBA First Team

1973: Sets Celtics playoff record with 54 points against Atlanta

1974: Leads the Celtics to another championship, winning Finals MVP

1976: Captains the Celtics to their 13th championship

1978: Retires as the Celtics' all-time leading scorer

John Havlicek's career embodied excellence, consistency, and winning at the highest level. His adaptability allowed him to thrive in different eras of NBA basketball, from the defensive-minded 1960s to the more offensively oriented 1970s. Havlicek's impact on the game goes beyond his impressive statistics; he set the standard for what it meant to be a complete player and a clutch performer. His legacy as one of the most dominant players in NBA history is secure, cemented by his numerous accolades, championship success, and the respect he commanded from teammates and opponents alike.

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